“Turn the Ugly into something Beautiful”

-Aiden’s philosophy for their photography and writings-

02/22/2007-10/06/2024

Aiden McVay’s life and even their death was an act of radical defiance against bigotry.

Aiden was a disabled, non-verbal, non-binary photographer and writer.

Dispite being born with a rare intractable seizure disorder requiring multiple brain surgeries that left them severely disabled, Aiden was determined to leave their legacy. Aiden spoke out through their photography and writings about LGBTQ+ and disability rights, used their art to make themselves seen and “turn the ugly into something beautiful.”

Aiden’s Photography

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Forgotton One Series

Denver Botanical Gardens

Wilderness on Wheels

Ouray Pride 2023

Models: ManiFestation, Xavier VanDyke, Kandrii Zavalla, Jerry A. Trick, Lady Houston.

Delta Pride 2023

Models: Kandrii Zavalla, Xavier VanDyke, Gale Force, ManiFestation, Peter Pan VanDyke, Unknown

Grand Junction Pride 2023

Models: Xavier VanDyke, Victor Z VanDyke, Peter Pan VanDyke

Mountain Pride 2024

Models: Zackarina Jenny-hoe, The Petty Patty, Raquelle C Shelle, Crystal Jones, Ramona Chingona.

Ouray Pride 2024

Models: Maxine LaQueen, Angelique Fantastique, MixTrix, Aria PettyOne, ManiFestation, Hysteria Brooks, Lady Houston.

Montrose Pride 2024

Models: MixTrix, Victor Z VanDyke, Victor and Stella Rae VanDyke, Kandrii Zavalla, Xavier VanDyke, Xavier and Madame VanDyke.

Colorado West Pride 2024

Models: Scarlet Fatale, Angel Fatale Spectrum, Axel Spectrum, Scarlet Rose VanDyke, Lil Miss Anxiety, Vandetta VanDyke, Cardi Reada, Xavier VanDyke, Stella Rae VanDyke.